As tensions escalate between farmers and the government, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha's call for a Gramin Bharat Bandh tomorrow has sparked disruptions nationwide. Scheduled from 6 am to 4 pm, the bandh aims to amplify demands mirroring those of protesting farmers near Delhi. Emergency services, including ambulances and medical shops, will operate unaffected, but villages will suspend all agricultural activities. Public transport will come to a halt, adding to the inconvenience. In Punjab, the state board is urged to postpone exams due to transportation challenges. Meanwhile, a panel of union ministers prepares for the third round of talks, aiming to resolve the deadlock.

Haryana prolongs the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts, including Ambala and Kurukshetra, until February 17 due to ongoing farmers' protests. The government cites a potential disruption of public order, emphasizing the critical and tense situation. The order aims to prevent the misuse of internet services for spreading inflammatory material and false rumors. The 'Delhi Chalo' agitation by farmers seeks to address concerns such as minimum support price and loan waivers. The extension aims to maintain peace and public order, with telecom providers instructed to comply.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed concern as farmers, amid the ongoing protest, moved like an "army with tractors," making political comments. Khattar questioned the approach, suggesting farmers use public transport for their Delhi march. He referenced disruptions caused by previous protests and emphasized the need for dialogue. A video controversy arose over farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's statement on bringing down PM Modi's graph. Khattar labeled it a political statement, questioning public support for such protests. Haryana police engaged with protesters at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, deploying tear gas shells.

The Supreme Court has directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to stop issuing Electoral Bonds, scrapping the scheme allowing anonymous political funding. In its verdict, the court mandated the return of unused Electoral Bonds within the 15-day validity period by political parties to purchasers, with the refunded amount credited to the buyer's account. The judgment highlighted concerns about a potential quid pro quo in political contributions and emphasized the violation of the right to information. The court ruled that the anonymous nature of the Electoral Bonds Scheme infringes on Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

A video circulating on social media, purportedly showing the ongoing farmers' protest, has been debunked. India Today Fact Check reveals the footage predates the farmers' march and, in reality, captures a gathering supporting Punjabi YouTuber Bhanna Sidhu. Arrested in January amid an extortion case, Sidhu's hometown protest occurred weeks before the farmers' protest began on February 13. The video, showcasing a canopy-covered assembly, triggered false claims as it circulated widely. Bhana Sidhu, with ties to Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, is a social media influencer known for addressing rural and youth-centric issues in Punjab, unrelated to the ongoing "Delhi Chalo" protest. 

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport grapples with severe congestion, forcing airlines to cancel 40 flights per day. Post-COVID travel surge intensifies air traffic, causing extended circling times for flights, risking fuel wastage and operational delays. The Airport Authority of India identifies excessive slot distribution, non-adherence to allotted slots, and non-scheduled operations as key challenges. To mitigate congestion, the Ministry of Civil Aviation issues directives to restrict air traffic during peak hours. Airlines like Akasa Air and SpiceJet comply with government directives, canceling numerous flights. Despite the cancellations, the airport operates at full capacity, handling 1000 daily movements amid the congestion crisis.

Amid ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' protests, around 200 farmers obstructed railway tracks in Punjab, leading to disruptions in train services. The blockade comes ahead of the third round of talks between the government and farmer leaders to address key demands. The 'Delhi Chalo' march, now in its third day, sees farmers rallying for MSP and other rights. Haryana suspended internet services along its border with Punjab amid escalating tensions. Despite previous failed discussions, Union Ministers are set to engage with protesting unions. Haryana's Chief Minister criticized the protests, while farmers announced a nationwide strike for February 16.

As the standoff between protesting farmers and security personnel continues at the Punjab-Haryana border, a panel of three Union ministers is set to meet farmer leaders in Chandigarh. The dialogue, led by Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, aims to address key demands, including Minimum Support Price (MSP) implementation. Amidst preparations for the meeting, farmer groups, including Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner), declare a 'rail roko' in Punjab today. The ongoing protests have led to disruptions in the National Capital Region (NCR), prompting advisories from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regarding commute planning.

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court declared the electoral bonds scheme as "unconstitutional" on Thursday, citing violations of the right to information under Article 19(1)(a). The verdict, delivered by a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, deemed anonymous funding to political parties as violative of electoral transparency. The court directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to halt further issuance of electoral bonds and mandated the submission of purchase details since April 12, 2019, to the Election Commission. Advocates hailed the decision, foreseeing a positive impact on electoral democracy and emphasizing citizens' right to transparent political funding.

Protesting farmers persist in their march towards Delhi despite clashes with police at the Punjab-Haryana border. Tear gas, water cannons, and concrete barriers met their 'Delhi Chalo' march, but farmers vow to press on. Ahead of a likely third round of talks with the Centre, tensions escalate as security tightens at Delhi borders, causing traffic chaos. Both sides sustain injuries in the confrontations. Amid calls for dialogue, farmers demand a halt to police aggression before resuming negotiations. The standoff echoes past protests as farmers advocate for MSP laws and loan waivers. Regional disruptions persist as protests intensify, with railway track occupations planned.